#DeAquíDeAllá

ODA listens to our community and this is what deported and returning youth in Mexico are demanding for their futures in Mexico and in the United States.

We often feel "ni de aquí, ni de allá," invisible in both countries, but we are standing up and demanding recognition and rights.

We advocate online and off for the rights of binational, bilingual, and bicultural people in Mexico and the United States. Invite us to your campus, church, or community to share our stories. If we can’t come in person, we can schedule a virtual teach-in.

#PostDeportation

Repeal the automatic bans and deportation measures legalized in the 1996 immigration law (IIRIRA) with clear provisions for erasing unjust bans, reuniting families, and bringing deported and returned youth home.

Reform the laws, policies, and budgets that criminalize immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and countries around the globe.

Establish scholarship programs at key universities in the US that support bilingual, bicultural students in Mexico to return and study in the US, including support for the process to obtain their student visa (with a waiver if needed).

Target bilingual and bicultural youth ALREADY in Mexico due to deportation or return for study abroad and professional development programs in Mexico.

Demand transparency and non-discriminatory practices from the US Embassy in Mexico.

#DreamersInMexico

We are still Dreamers in Mexico. We recognize that the term "Dreamer" originally refers to the proposed but failed DREAM Act that would have benefited a limited number of immigrant youth in the US. For ODA, the term "Dreamer" connects us to our roots in the US and the struggle for immigrant rights there, while it also reminds us that dreams do not end at the border. We dream of a safer, stronger Mexico. We dream of families re-united. Our dreams are our struggle, and we dream of one day being recognized as binational citizens with the right to education, employment, and well being in the home of our choice.

#EducationNotCriminalization

Reform the laws, policies, and budgets that criminalize immigrants in Mexico that have resulted in mass deportations of Central Americans, as well as the deaths and disappearances of international and internal migrants.

Establish scholarship programs at key universities in Mexico that are designed to attract and support returning and deported bilingual students.

Facilitate entrance exams for public universities (UNAM, Politécnico, etc) in Mexican consulates for Mexican immigrant youth in the US.

Publish and disseminate information about the NEW guidelines for the revalidation of US high school education and the resulting implications for acceptance into Mexico’s public universities.

Reform the laws and regulations that mandate a 75% equivalency of a university degree for the revalidation of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Create awareness and anti-discrimination campaigns about immigrants in Mexico and the US.